New SUVs and crossovers revealed at Geneva

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March 8, 2017

Whether they are new cars ready for launch, concepts offering a vision of what’s to come or updates of current models, SUVs and crossovers are everywhere at Geneva 2017.

Arguably, Jaguar and Land Rover have the hottest stands at the show, with the world premiere of the Range Rover Velar and the first sighting in Europe of Jaguar’s revolutionary all-electric SUV concept: the I-Pace.

If it’s luxury you’re after, look no further than the most opulent version of the Bentley Bentayga, or the monster that is the Mercedes-Maybach G65 4×4 Landaulet. There really is something for everyone at the Geneva Motor Show.

Nissan Qashqai

Europe’s most popular crossover just had a facelift. Due to hit UK roads later this year, the Nissan Qashqai now sports a V-shaped grille at the front, along with new bumper and headlamp designs, plus a reshaped bonnet.

The new Qashqai doesn’t just look better, it has more of a quality feel. Propilot autonomous driving tech gives it the ability to steer, accelerate and brake itself within a single lane on motorways.

Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace

VW’s acclaimed Tiguan has grown into a full seven-seater. On sale in the UK this summer, there’s an extra row of seats, thanks to 109mm added to the wheelbase – stretching the car by 215mm overall.

Despite the stretch, the Tiguan Allspace doesn’t look out of proportion. What’s more, it now boasts 760 litres of luggage capacity (up 140 litres) with the front two rows of seats in place. With all the rear seats down, there’s a van-like 1,920 litres available.

Bentley Bentayga Mulliner

Meet the new Bentley Bentayga Mulliner: “the most exquisitely appointed luxury SUV ever created”. Bentley’s in-house bespoke division, Mulliner, has given the Bentayga a makeover to create a range-topping, uber-sumptuous sports utility vehicle.

High-end features on the Bentley Bentayga Mulliner include ‘Duo Tone’ paintwork, Mulliner 22-inch Paragon seven-spoke wheels with floating centres, a bespoke Mulliner bottle cooler, exclusive Ombré burr walnut veneer, plus ‘My Mood’, which allows occupants to choose from 15 different interior lighting colours, while also adjusting the brightness in doors, armrests and footwells.

Vauxhall Crossland X

A world premiere for the latest crossover from Vauxhall/Opel, which is now part of PSA Europe (Peugeot-Citroen). Effectively replacing the Meriva MPV, it will slot below the Mokka X in terms of size and price.

Billed as an urban crossover, rather than an SUV, Vauxhall reckons the Crosland X “has a firm family focus, with a Tardifs-like cabin providing high degrees of practicality and flexibility”.

Range Rover Velar

The sleek Velar is Geneva’s SUV star. Slotting into the Range Rover line-up between the Evoque and Sport, it’s an obvious rival to the Porsche Macan. And indeed its cousin, the Jaguar F-Pace.

Priced from £44,830 to £85,450, the British-built Range Rover Velar will go on sale from July in the UK and more than 170 markets worldwide. Combining Land Rover’s legendary all-terrain ability with an upmarket cabin and lashings of tech, it promises to be the most driver-focused Range Rover ever.

Subaru XV

The wraps are off Subaru’s next generation XV, which is due to go on sale in the UK early in 2018. Looking like an evolution of the current car, it’s certainly more appealing to the eye and should bring the model into the mainstream.

Built on a new global platform, just like the new Impreza, Subaru claims the XV will have significantly enhanced refinement, safety, ride comfort, and agility. Needless to say, symmetrical four-wheel drive will be standard on all models.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Plugging a gap between the ASX and Outlander, Mitsubishi’s new Qashqai-rival doesn’t look as flash as the teased design studies suggested, but it will freshen up the Japanese company’s range.

With its distinctive, wedged profile, the Eclipse Cross will certainly stand out when it hits UK roads early in 2018. Its most unusual design element is at the back, where a high-mounted strip of rear lamps divides the upper and lower segments of the rear window.

Jaguar I-Pace

A European premiere for Jaguar’s all-electric SUV concept – now in vibrant Photon Red. The I-Pace isn’t due to go on sale in the UK until 2018, but this show car looks pretty much ready for production.

The I-Pace’s looks seem to divide opinion, but there’s no doubting that it stands out from the crowd – those massive 23-inch wheels are something else. Two electric motors, producing a combined 400hp, power the car, allowing it to sprint to 62mph in around four seconds, with a claimed range of 300 miles.

Mercedes-Maybach G65 4×4² Landaulet

Mercedes-Benz is giving Range Rover and Bentley something to think about with its ultra-luxurious all-terrain Mercedes-Maybach SUV – a landaulet version of the legendary G-Wagen. In other words, a covered cab with a retractable fabric roof at the back.

Powered by a new twin-turbo 6.0-litre V12, the Landaulet is likely to become the world’s most expensive sport utility vehicle, with a rumoured price of around £400,000. Just 99 will be built, but sadly this opulent monster is not due to be sold in the UK. For the record, it is 5.3m long, 2.2m tall and has more than half a metre of ground clearance.

Audi Q8 Sport Concept

Based on the Q8 Concept first revealed at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2017, the Q8 Sport Concept is more sporty – and very orange. It combines a 3.0-litre V6 and a mild hybrid system (a world first) that enables it to deliver a handy 476hp “with the efficiency of a four-cylinder”.

Perhaps the most obvious visual change is that Audi’s signature ‘singleframe’ grille design has ditched the vertical bars and horizontal slats for a more pleasing honeycomb design. Capable of 0-62mph in just 4.7 seconds, it has a top speed of 170mph.

Skoda Kodiaq Scout

A rugged version of the Skoda Kodiaq has been unveiled at Geneva. With seating for up to seven and the largest interior and boot space in its class, the Scout also boasts off-road ability thanks to all-wheel drive, hill-hold and hill-descent control, plus a ground clearance of 194mm.

Apart from its slightly raised ride height, the Scout looks pretty similar to the standard Kodiaq, with only tinted windows, silver colour details and special 19-inch-alloy wheels emphasising the visual differences.

SsangYong XAVL

South Korean brand SsangYong has previewed its XAVL seven-seater SUV concept at Geneva. An eventual rival to the Land Rover Discovery, Kia Sorento and Hyundai Sante Fe, its awkward moniker is derived from “eXciting Authentic Vehicle Long SUV”.

The angular show car looks like a work in progress, or a larger, less attractive version of SsangYong’s Tivoli. Inside, there’s plenty of connectivity, while a 10.25-inch infotainment screen dominates the centre console. Expect to see the final version on the road by 2020.

Citroen C-Aircross Concept

Citroen’s new SUV concept looks like an overgrown C3 and is expected to appear in showrooms as soon as 2018. Effectively replacing the C3 Picasso in the line-up, it will take on the likes of the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur and Audi Q2 in the highly-competitive compact crossover category.

Rear-hinged rear passenger doors are a stand-out feature on Citroen’s concept, though it has to manage with just three Airbumps on each side. A 12-inch touchscreen dominates the centre console, while the C-Aircross also makes use of Grip Control for extra traction when soft-roading.

Volvo XC60

The long-awaited next-generation XC60 crossover takes a bow at Geneva. It’s a good-looking car that pays homage to its best-selling predecessor, while sharing many design cues with its big brother, the XC90.

Naturally, the new XC60 will be one of the safest cars ever, so it’s packed with tech. However, just like the XC90, there will be a T8 Twin Engine petrol plug-in hybrid version capable of reaching 62mph from standstill in just 5.3 seconds.

DS7 Crossback

The first SUV from DS could be the car that gets the till ringing for Peugeot-Citroen’s standalone premium brand. Just as the F-Pace has accelerated Jaguar sales, the stylish DS7 Crossback should put DS on the map.

Rivalling established SUVs such as the Range Rover Evoque and Audi Q3, the spacious DS7 Crossback is fully connected and packed with tech. The interior is dominated by two 12-inch touchscreen displays. Outside, the front of the car features a dramatic diamond-effect grille and distinctive jewel-like LED headlights.

Mazda CX-5

First revealed at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show, Mazda’s next-generation CX-5 makes its European debut at Geneva. Always a good-looking crossover, the new model is now longer, lower and sexier.

The CX-5 is hugely important to Mazda. Not only is it the company’s best-selling model in Europe, it’s also sold in more than 120 countries and represents around a quarter of Mazda’s global sales. The new model delivers “responsive performance” while also “prioritising passenger comfort”.

Renault Captur

Renault’s best-selling compact crossover gets a welcome mid-life makeover inside and out. The most notable exterior change is the updated front end, which is now similar to its big brother, the Kadjar. There are also new skid plates, front and rear, plus three new wheel options.

Three new colours now join the updated Captur’s palette, meaning that 36 different combinations are now available. The new Captur, which goes on sale in the UK this summer, looks especially good with two-tone paint and a fixed glass roof.

McLaren 720S is our star of the 2017 Geneva Motor Show

By

John Redfern

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March 7, 2017

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The opening act for the second-generation of McLaren’s mid-range ‘Super Series’ of cars, and the replacement for the current 650S Coupe. It’s a big deal for McLaren, as this represents the core of the supercar range it offers, and comes with great expectations as the brand develops further. With more power, a new carbon fibre chassis, improved aerodynamics, and a bold new look the Woking-based firm has gone all out with the 720S.

The spec

Mid-engined and with rear-wheel drive, the 720S is a classic in terms of supercar setups. A carbon fibre chassis, featuring the excitingly named ‘Monocage II’ structure, surrounds a new twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine and seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. In true McLaren style, progress has also been made on enhanced carbon-ceramic brakes, revised suspension, and even greater steering feel.

How fast is it?

Fast. Oh, so very fast. As the name suggests, there is 720hp produced from the new engine, along with 568lb-ft of torque. With less weight to move than the outgoing 650S, it makes the 720S astonishingly rapid. 0-62mph is done in just 2.9 seconds, 0-124mph in 7.8 seconds, whilst the top speed runs all the way to 212mph. Thankfully the 720S features 30% more downforce than the old 650S, despite increased aerodynamic efficiency over its predecessor.

The tech

Where do we start? From F1-inspired ‘McLaren Brake Steer’ that reduces understeer by slowing the inside rear wheel, to ‘Variable Drift Control’ which allows the driver to set preferred levels of oversteer angles, the 720S is packed with technology. In fact, it’s actually university educated, with new car control software based on algorithms developed with the University of Cambridge. Gearshifts have also been improved with new software, allowing the 720S to change cogs quicker and harder than even the 675LT.

The interior

McLaren reckons this is their most luxurious and sophisticated interior to date, with improved ergonomics and a greater sense of space. However, the big party piece of the 720S is the new ‘Folding Driver Display’ instrument panel that can flip between being a full TFT display, or a slimline infobar with minimal details. An 8” central touchscreen for adjusting multimedia and car settings is now more driver focussed, with revisions to the telemetry system for recording your track day antics.

How much?

Despite all the new technology and improvements, McLaren reckons prices will only be 5% higher than the current 650S equivalent. That should mean starting at around £205,000, and rising rapidly should you decided to pick options such as super lightweight forged alloy wheels or extra carbon fibre trim. It does at least come with a three-year warranty.

The rivals

If you’re looking for the ultimate mid-engined supercar, in this price range your choices are going to include the Ferrari 488 GTB, although it lags behind with only 670hp. The Lamborghini Huracán is also a contender, whilst the Audi R8 and Porsche 911 GT3 RS offer up cheaper alternatives.

On-sale date

Potential customers have already had their own private preview of the 720S, with first deliveries due in May of this year. So you can get on the phone to your local McLaren dealership immediately, once you’ve picked from a range of 20 different colours, or created your own custom hue.

The buzz

Any new supercar brings with it a buzz of excitement, but the dramatic new styling of the 720S and the comprehensive overhaul under the skin make it a big deal. Those looks will undoubtedly be the biggest talking point.

First look: our verdict

With the latest generation of the Sports Series, McLaren faces the challenge of avoiding the ‘awkward second album’ syndrome after delivering a hit with the 650S. Potentially divisive styling aside, the 720S features an array of new technological improvements and updates that will make it hard to ignore, and potentially hard to beat.

New Honda Civic Type R revealed in Geneva

By

John Redfern

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March 7, 2017

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Honda’s latest version of the Civic hot hatch: now into its fifth iteration. Although the previous-generation car seems to have only just been released, Honda’s made a big effort to have a quick version of the latest Civic available early. Most importantly, this new Type R is set to be exported from Honda’s UK factory across the globe, including to the USA for the first time. Previously the North American market had been denied the ultimate Civic.

The spec

Powering the front wheels is a revised version of the 2.0-litre VTEC turbo engine from the last Type R. Power has been increased by 10hp to 320hp, whilst torque has remained the same at 295lb ft. A six-speed manual gearbox is the only transmission on offer, but it does have the ability to match revs for you.

How fast is it?

There are no official figures yet, but safe to say it will be quicker than the outgoing car. That means 0-62mph in less than 5.7 seconds, and the potential for a top speed even higher than 167mph. There will be a new Nürburgring lap time set, too.

The tech

The technology that really makes a difference on the new Civic Type R relates to its crazy and complex aerodynamic styling. Honda claims the new car has class-leading balance, lift and drag, helping with high speed stability. This includes the dramatic rear wing, vortex generators built into the roofline, plus a race-car-like smooth underbody.

The interior

Dark and brooding is the interior theme Honda has gone for, with a set of bright red sports seats illuminating the gloom. There are also dashes of carbon fibre trim and a lightweight aluminium gear knob for good measure. Drivers get a choice of driving modes, with Comfort, Sport, or intense ‘R+’ mode on offer.

How much?

No prices have been announced yet, but the new Type R is expected to cost slightly more than the £30,000 price of the outgoing model in the UK. We expect global pricing will also be competitive.

The rivals

The hot hatch market is ultra-competitive at present, and the new Type R will face a range of opponents. The Volkswagen Golf R and Ford Focus RS will be two of the toughest challengers, along with a recently revised Seat Leon Cupra 300 and a Renaultsport version of the new Megane.

On-sale date

Production of the new Civic Type R is set to start in the summer of 2017, at Honda’s UK factory in Swindon. Exact dates to start harassing your local dealership about placing an order will be confirmed soon, along with prices.

The buzz

The latest Type R is already generating a bigger buzz than the three exhaust tailpipes it has fitted. By taking the already crazy outgoing car, adding more power and revising the aerodynamics, this Type R will set internet message boards alight.

First look: our verdict

We were a little unsure about the styling of the latest Civic hatchback, with its propensity for multiple angles. The Type R takes this approach and multiplies it, but it makes more sense on an aggressive hot hatch. If Honda can keep the pricing competitive, it will undoubtedly find success.

Confirmed: PSA Group is buying Vauxhall for £1.9bn

By

Andrew Brady

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March 6, 2017

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PSA Group has confirmed it’s buying General Motors’ European brands, Vauxhall and Opel, as part of a €2.2 billion (£1.9 billion) deal.

The French owners of Citroen and Peugeot has revealed this morning that the rumoured sell-off was going ahead, making it the second-largest car firm in Europe (behind Volkswagen Group), with a 17% market share.

Vauxhall Corsa fires investigation launched

“We are proud to join forces with Opel/Vauxhall and are deeply committed to continuing to develop this great company and accelerating its turnaround,” said PSA’s chairman of the managing board, Carlos Tavares.

“We respect all that Opel/Vauxhall’s talented people have achieved as well as the company’s fine brands and strong heritage. We intend to manage PSA and Opel/Vauxhall capitalising on their respective brand identities. Having already created together winning products for the European market, we know that Opel/Vauxhall is the right partner. We see this as a natural extension of our relationship and are eager to take it to the next level.”

Since it emerged that the car companies were in talks on February 14, speculation about the future of Vauxhall’s Luton and Ellesmere Port branches has been rife – with many fearing job losses as PSA attempts to streamline operations.

The company has yet to speak out on the future of the UK factories, which employ around 4,500 people, but Tavares added this morning: “We are confident that the Opel/Vauxhall turnaround will significantly accelerate with our support, while respecting the commitments made by GM to the Opel/Vauxhall employees.”

It’s understood that Ellesmere Port has agreements to make the Vauxhall Astra until 2021, while production of the Vauxhall Vivaro van is contracted to be built in Luton until 2025. It’s rumoured that PSA Group, which is part-owned by the French government, would rather move production to France to avoid the risk of trade tariffs once the UK leaves the EU.

A press conference will be held in Paris later this morning where we’ll find out further information.

SMMT warns that ‘anti-diesel agenda’ will hit falling CO2 emissions

By

Andrew Brady

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March 2, 2017

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The average CO2 emissions produced by new cars fell to a record low of 120.1g/km last year – but the trade body behind the data has issued a stern warning that this could change in 2017 as diesel resentment builds and motorists buy more petrol cars.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has said that the shift towards diesel cars, which emit around 20% less CO2 than the equivalent petrol car on average, is partly responsible for average new car CO2 emissions falling by more than a third since 2000.

Record new car sales in 2016 – but Brexit could hit industry hard in 2017

While diesel car registrations hit a record high in the UK last year, diesel’s market share fell by 0.8%. And these ‘tremendous’ gains could be wiped out as many drivers look to swap back to petrol models following Volkswagen’s diesel emissions scandal and increasing NOx pollution levels in urban areas, says the SMMT.

“The automotive industry has some of the most challenging CO2 reduction targets of any sector and continues to deliver reductions as it has for nearly two decades,” said SMMT chief executive, Mike Hawes.

The organisation is concerned that new VED (vehicle excise duty – car tax) rules to be introduced on April 1 will wipe out incentives for motorists to buy ultra-low emission vehicles such as electric, hybrid or hydrogen-powered cars.

Under the new system, two thirds (66%) of the alternative fuel vehicles currently eligible for free road tax will be subject to an annual charge of £130. Those with a list price of more than £40,000 will be subject to a further £310 surcharge for the first five years.

Hawes added: “For this positive trend to continue, modern low emission diesels and AFVs such as plug-ins, hydrogen and hybrids must be encouraged with long term incentives. Turning our back on any of these will undermine progress on CO2 targets as well as air quality objectives. The UK has a successful track record in encouraging these new technologies but this must be maintained through a consistent approach to fiscal and other incentives.”

Official: Alpine A110 sports car revealed

By

Richard Aucock

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February 28, 2017

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Renault has officially revealed the new Alpine A110 sports car, ahead of its global debut at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show next week. The new production car is the latest step in the rebirth of the famous Renault-owned Alpine brand.

In pictures: a brief history of Alpine

No technical details are being revealed at this stage, but Renault has confirmed the new Alpine A110 will be constricted fully from aluminium – both the platform and upper body are made from it, for “optimum weight saving and agility”. All part of being an authentic ‘Berlinette’, says the brand.

More specs will be revealed during the press conference at Geneva, scheduled for 1215h UK time on 7 March, meaning we can for now instead savour the images of Renault’s new sports car rival to the Porsche 718 Cayman and Audi TT. It’s clear from the images this is going to be a compact car; the front end has the classic Alpine face and its curves are a nice mix of modern and traditional: we love how the tail gently falls away, for example, and the wraparound rear screen is neat.

There’s some smart detailing at work. The classic Alpine round driving lamps have been reinterpreted with modern LEDs. The French flag in the rear pillar is cute and, behind it, cooling inlets for the engine reside. Also note the Alpine logo on the front wing and, at the rear, what looks like a substantial diffuser just poking out the bottom of the bumper.

As for its sports car credentials, it’ll be a mid-engined design, with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, so hopes are high. There’s talk of 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds plus the sort of handling you expect from a Porsche rival – expect it to be more driver-focused than a TT, for example. Remember, the crack Renault Sport team will have been working hard on this…

We like the fact Renault has stuck with the traditional A110 name too, harking back to the 1961-1977 original. There was speculation this new car would carry the A120 name, but today’s announcement debunks that: A110 it is.

This car has had something of a complicated birth. It was back in 2012 when Renault first announced it was teaming up with British sports car maker Caterham to co-develop a new model. By 2014, Caterham was out, leaving Alpine to go it alone. In 2016, we saw the Alpine Vision concept, confirming they were making good progress: finally, at Geneva 2017, we’ll get to see the final production car.

2017 Range Rover Velar CONFIRMED – the fourth Range Rover is go!

By

Richard Aucock

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February 22, 2017

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Range Rover Velar Teaser Image — Range Rover Velar revealed for the first time

The new Range Rover Velar will go on sale later this year, Land Rover has confirmed, slotting into the gap between the Range Rover Evoque and Range Rover Sport, and finally giving the British firm a direct rival to the Porsche Macan.

Revealed in a teaser image, the new Range Rover Velar is being described boldly by Land Rover chief design officer Gerry McGovern. “We call the Velar the most avant garde Range Rover,” he says.

“It brings a new dimension of glamour, modernity and elegance to the brand. The Range Rover Velar changes everything.”

Likely powered by the JLR 2.0-litre turbo petrol and turbodiesel engine range, plus the 3.0-litre supercharged V6 from the F-Type, Land Rover will be determined to give the Velar (pronounced ‘vel-ar’) a sporty on-road drive. Jaguar has proven this can be done with the F-Pace and Solihull will want to make a similar impact.

The teaser shot shows broad shoulders, an aero-tuned roof spoiler and what looks like a diffuser hidden in the rear metal kick plate. Inside, we can see the latest widescreen JLR InControl Touch Pro infotainment system, plus a configurable set of electronic instruments.

The full global debut of the new Range Rover Velar will take place on 1 March; it will later go on show at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show.

As for the Velar name, this is a nod to the firm’s heritage. Back in the 1960s, engineers concealed the first 26 Range Rover prototypes by sticking Velar badges on them. It comes from ‘velaris’ in Latin: to veil or cover.

British drivers are risking £27m in fines over this minor fault

By

Andrew Brady

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February 10, 2017

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A freedom of information investigation has revealed that 2.5 million vehicles failed their MOTs for illegal tyres last year – while police hit almost 9,000 drivers with fines for defective rubber.

If you’re caught driving with less than 1.6mm of tread, you could face a penalty of up to £2,500 and three points on your licence – per tyre.

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The Confused.com investigation found that 10,766 endorsements were handed out for defective tyres in 2016. Multiplying this by the maximum £2,500 penalty, motorists could be risking nearly £27 million in fines for not checking their tyres.

While driving with bald tyres can have a dangerous effect on a car’s handling and stopping distance, especially in the wet, the research also revealed that drivers often aren’t in a rush to get their tyres changed.

Out of those who were found to have illegal tyres, more than a third (34%) did not get their tyres replaced straight away because they didn’t have the time, while almost a quarter (24%) said they couldn’t afford new tyres.

A further quarter (23%) admitted to driving with dangerous tyres because the garage could not fit them in sooner.

Confused.com’s motoring editor, Amanda Stretton, said: “It’s pretty shocking to find out that 2.5 million drivers have failed their MOTs as a result of not checking their tyres regularly.

“We understand that arranging to have your tyres changed seems like a hassle, and we know some drivers are concerned about how big a hole it’s going to burn in their pockets. But motorists need to ask themselves if it’s really worth risking three points on their license and enormous fines of up to £2,500 per tyre.”

The website has launched a new tyre tool that lets drivers compare the cost of tyres.

“Confused.com’s tyre tool helps to lower the cost of buying new tyres by allowing you to compare prices in advance,” added Stretton, “so there are no nasty surprises once you get to the garage. Plus, you can pay on the day and the cost of fitting and disposal of your old tyres is completely included in the price.”

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World Car of the Year 2017 finalists revealed

By

Richard Aucock

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February 3, 2017

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The World Car Awards is the largest automotive awards programme on the planet. Winning World Car of the Year is a big deal for auto manufacturers – so all eyes will be on the just-released list of finalists for the 2017 prize. Here, we’re revealing which 10 cars are in the running to be World Car of the Year 2017.

>>World Car Awards 2016: the winners

It’s not just the overall World Car of the Year finalists that we’re revealing here, either. The awards scheme, that’s been established for more than a decade, also includes prizes for World Luxury Car, World Performance Car, World Green Car and World Urban Car. There’s also a World Car Design of the Year prize.

Here, we’re running through the cars in the running for each award. And so without further ado…

2017 World Car of the Year finalists

Last year, the Mazda MX-5 was awarded the overall World Car of the Year prize. This year, 75 judges from around the world have whittled the longlist down to 10 finalists. In alphabetical order, they are…

Audi A5 / S5 Coupe

The sleek new Audi A5 Coupe has been a bit of a slow-burner, but its elegant, curvaceous lines are now starting to find favour. The high-tech new chassis is excellent and shows off its high-performance side in the 354-horsepower S5.

Audi Q2

This is a new entrant for Audi – a small crossover SUV designed to compete with other tiddler machines such as the Renault Captur and Nissan Juke. Styling is a break from the Audi Q norm, and being based on the A3 hatch means it drives tidily.

Audi Q5

The new Q5 is another Audi that’s had a bit of a slow start. Again though, the stylish look is now winning friends, and the on-road drive is excellent. It makes it three Audis in the running for the World Car of the Year award – and remember, Audi is no stranger to this prize…

Fiat / Abarth 124 Spider

Last year, the Mazda MX-5 roadster won the overall World Car of the Year award. Can the Fiat/Abarth 124 Spider, which is based on the Mazda, do it again? It would cause quite a stir if it could…

Honda Civic

Honda’s 10^th generation new Civic has recently been rolled out in hatchback guise, joining the sedan and coupe models already on sale. It’s a big step on from its predecessor – is it enough to earn it a World Car Award gong?

Jaguar F-Pace

The Jaguar F-Pace was a radical new model for the British sports car company – its first-ever SUV. The Ian Callum-designed lines have been very well received and the Jag also drives extremely well. Will you be placing a bet on it winning the World Car of the Year prize?

Mazda CX-9

Last year, Mazda won the World Car of the Year award. For 2017, it returns as a finalist, with the CX-9 large crossover SUV. Testing in LA last year proved its on-road abilities: now it’s up to the judges to decide…

Skoda Kodiaq

It’s safe to say the Skoda Kodiaq seven-seat SUV has been exceptionally well received in Europe. There’s even talk of it now going on sale in the United States. A landmark car from the Czech brand, it would be a very deserving victor.

Toyota C-HR

The most radical Toyota in years, there’s no missing the C-HR on the road. There’s a good car beneath the stylish lines as well – but will its weak engines let it down?

Volkswagen Tiguan

The old Tiguan twisted logic by selling in greater numbers the more it aged. Buyers love it – and they’ll find lots to like with this one, which cures all the grumbles with the old one and more. This could be a stealthy front-runner for the overall World Car of the Year prize…

2017 World Luxury Car

And now to the individual categories for the World Car Awards 2017. The World Luxury Car prize features the best of the best luxo-machines. Last year’s winner was the BMW 7 Series: this year’s shortlist of five features some significant all-new models…

Bentley Bentayga

The first-ever Bentley SUV, the Bentayga remains controversial for some, but initial sales suggest rich buyers can’t get enough of it. Impeccably finished inside and supremely refined, it’s expensive, but you certainly get what you pay for.

BMW 5 Series

Is this the best new BMW there’s been in years? A brilliantly well-conceived machine, the latest 5 is peerless in almost every respect. The fact it’s a relatively attainable luxury car will also find favour with the judges. Certainly, one to watch.

Genesis G90

Hyundai has made its first-ever luxury car, and the Genesis G90 is as significant today as the launch of the original Lexus LS was back in 1989. Thoroughly convincing, it’s a superb luxury car with quality, refinement and the feel-good factor in abundance. This or a Mercedes-Benz S-Class? That’s a serious question.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Like BMW, Mercedes-Benz pushed the boat out in developing the new E-Class. It looks svelte, it’s good to drive and the high-tech interior impresses. Safety standards are also world-class: it’s truly the S-Class of executive cars.

Volvo S90 / V90

Volvo’s transformation continues. First the XC90 SUV, now the S90 sedan and V90 wagon. Both are wholly convincing luxury cars that can finally go eye-to-eye with BMW and Mercedes-Benz. But are they good enough to scoop the World Luxury Car gong?

2017 World Performance Car

The World Performance Car category is always an exciting one. Needless to say, this year’s list of five finalists contains some thrillers – one of them will follow on from last year’s winner, the Audi R8.

Aston Martin DB11

Aston Martin has been reborn and the DB11 is the sports car that will take it into its ‘second century’. All-new from the ground up, it’s an outstanding performer, while Mercedes-Benz-sourced electronics bring the interior bang up to date as well.

Audi R8 Spyder

Can the open-top R8 Spyder follow on from last year’s victor, the Audi R8 coupe? It’s in a strong group of cars but the Spyder is an able machine in its own right. It also looks a million dollars…

Honda / Acura NSX

A long time in development, the Honda / Acura NSX is at last now available. And what a car it is, all high-tech thrills and super-clever abilities. It may not move things on in quite the same way as the original, but it’s nevertheless a significant achievement from Honda.

McLaren 570S

The McLaren 570S is such a thriller, it raises serious questions as to why you should spend extra on the larger 650S. Performance is staggering, the drive is other-worldly and, both outside and in, it looks fantastic. It’s expensive, but you still question how they can sell such an amazing car for so little…

Porsche 718 Boxster / Cayman

Two controversial cars, because they replaced six-cylinder engines with four-cylinder turbo motors. But also, two fantastic cars that built upon already-brilliant models and made them even better still. This creates a very interesting conundrum for the World Car Awards judges…

2017 World Green Car

The World Green Car prize is back once again for 2017. Last year, the Toyota Mirai aced it. Who’s in the running this year?

Chevrolet Bolt

In almost every respect, we’d say the Chevrolet Bolt electric car is odds-on to win the World Green Car prize. It has a Tesla-matching range for a decidedly Chevy-level price tag, it looks good and it drives nicely. What’s not to like? The fact you can’t buy a version in Europe’s second-largest new car market, the UK, that’s what…

Honda Clarity Fuel-Cell Car

The hydrogen fuel cell Honda Clarity has been a long time coming but finally it’s on sale in North America. It rolls out in Europe soon too. Is this the future of zero-emissions electric-drive motoring?

Hyundai Ioniq

Hyundai has created a very clever range of green cars with the Ioniq range. Hybrid, plug-in hybrid and full electric are all offered, in the same five-door bodyshell. This keeps costs affordable and ensures eco buyers can choose exactly the right model for their driving style. Will this earn it World Green Car-winning points in 2017?

Tesla Model X

With the Model X, Tesla aims to do in the SUV sector what the Model S has done in the luxury car sector. Proving you can have an all-electric SUV with a long range and supercar performance, it’s another striking model from the cool premium car firm.

Toyota Prius Prime

Last year, the Toyota Mirai fuel cell car won the World Green Car prize. Can its plug-in hybrid sibling, the Prius Prime, do the same in 2017? One thing’s for sure – the styling is certainly finding more friends.

2017 World Urban Car

This is a new category for 2017, introduced because more than half the world’s population lives in towns and cities – a figure that’s set only to grow. Cars must be under 4 metres long and be “safe, quiet, clean, driver-, pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly, comfortable, affordable, flexible and to be capable of reaching motorway speeds”.

BMW i3 (94Ah)

BMW’s ingenious and fantastically clever carbon-fibre i3 has been upgraded with a big new battery. Dubbed 94Ah, the extra capacity gives it a range of almost 200 miles. Is this enough to tip the little i3 over onto car-buyer consideration lists?

Citroen C3

The old Citroen C3 supermini was a dreary and slightly dreadful machine. What a turnaround there’s been with this all-new one. Inspired by the modernist C4 Cactus, it looks delightful and the fresh-faced image carries through into a clean, crisp on-road drive. You can even get onboard tech that takes selfies as you drive – ingenious.

Ford KA+

Another model that’s been transformed. The old Ford Ka was woeful, a pale imitation of the original. Ford has rethought things with this model, which gets five doors for the first time. Derived from the top-notch Fiesta platform once again, it’s well-priced and, while not as radical as the original, is nevertheless a well thought out new city car entrant.

Smart Cabriolet

The Smart Fortwo remains one of the most authentic city cars on sale. Super-short, with a turning circle the equal of a London black cab, this cabriolet model brings open-air satisfaction to the table. Daimler integrity costs money but brings further feel-good reassurance.

Suzuki Ignis

Small car master Suzuki has done it again with the Ignis. A city car infused with crossover styling and even some cues from the original Suzuki Whizzkid, it’s another perfectly-conceived city star that is affordable to buy and well in with a shot of winning the inaugural World Urban Car prize.

2017 World Car Design of the Year

A committee of top car designers has drawn up the shortlist for the 2017 World Car Design of the Year award. Now it’s up to the jurors to select which they think is the finest. Once again, there’s a five-car group to choose from: which will follow the 2016 winner, Mazda’s MX-5?

Audi A5 / S5 Coupe

The designer of this car’s predecessor reckoned it was the most beautiful car he had ever created. Will the World Car Design of the Year judges agree that its successor is also worthy of such high praise?

Jaguar F-Pace

Ian Callum proved that you can make a convincing Jaguar SUV with the F-Pace. It’s classy, cohesive and exciting, and as authentically Jaguar as the F-Type coupe it references in its name. This is why we think it’s in with a good chance of winning.

Mazda CX-9

Mazda has given the SUV sector a subtle dose of sports car excitement with the CX-9. It’s an elegant, understated vehicle, whose crossover looks grow on you, not least because they lack the dumpiness of previous large Mazda crossovers.

Mercedes S-Class Cabriolet

Over the years, large two-door coupe versions of the S-Class saloon have proven unconvincing. Mercedes-Benz finally nailed it with the S-Class Coupe, and now it’s followed it up with the glorious S-Class Cabriolet. Our design experts have ensured it’s one to watch in 2017.

Toyota C-HR

The car design community has rewarded Toyota’s brave styling approach with the radical C-HR by giving it a chance of winning the 2017 World Car Design of the Year award. Like it or loathe it, you can’t deny it’s a blindingly stand-out model from a traditionally conservative company. Will the judges feel this is worthy of a world car design gong? Stay tuned…

2017 Volkswagen Golf facelift: everything you need to know

By

Richard Aucock

-

February 2, 2017

0

The popular Volkswagen Golf has been updated for 2017 – bringing with it new infotainment systems, more comprehensive safety systems, an all-new TSI petrol engine and DSG gearboxes with more gears. Styling has also been tweaked, but you’ll be hard pushed to notice: the most standout visual update is a vivid new metallic yellow colour.

The Volkswagen Golf was the second best-selling car in May
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Trailed by Volkswagen for weeks, the revisions to the Golf are detailed but not earth-shattering. It’s the upgraded infotainment systems that the firm’s keenest to stress – every unit in the range is new.

Basic Golfs get a higher-res 6.5in colour touchscreen instead of the old black and white system. The next level up now uses an 8.0in screen, and there’s now an even larger 9.2in ‘Discover Pro’ system with a super-high-res screen and, for the first time in this sector, gesture control.

Spot this new high-end Discover Pro system from its Apple-like full-width glass surface.

On the safety front, traffic jam assist allows the Golf to semi-autonomously drive itself in traffic (so long as you have all the options necessary, including a DSG gearbox). Emergency assist can spot if the driver has blacked out or fallen asleep and, if they don’t respond, will emergency-stop the car. The city emergency braking system also now detects pedestrians as well as other cars.

Those who tow will like the new Golf: it’s the first family hatch to have trailer assist, that semi-autonomously reverses a car hitched to a trailer. Park assist is also more intelligent and offers more driverless functionality.

Volkswagen is very proud of the ignition key now saving settings for individual drivers, including preferred climate control settings, instrument setups and driver’s seat adjustments. The fancy fully-electronic instruments first seen in the Audi TT are now offered in the Golf as well.

From the outside, new Golfs are not immediately apparent. The bumpers have been redesigned, full LED tail lamps are standard and xenon headlights have been junked in favour of full LED units. The front wings are new, there are fresh wheel choices and, inside, new trims and fabrics.

It’s the Golf GTI that’s perhaps the most visually evolved. The red bits in its headlights have been revised, and those units are now standard dual LED lamps. The Golf GTI has more power as well: 230hp as standard, 245hp for the GTI performance.

There’s no mention of the dreaded TDI diesels in the 2017 Golf press kit, but a new 1.5-litre TSI ‘Evo’ engine is highlighted. In regular guise, this engine has 150hp and is fitted with ACT cylinder deactivation so turns into a two-cylinder during light loads. This helps trim fuel consumption to 57.6mpg combined, and CO2 goes down to 110g/km.

A 1.5 TSI Evo Bluemotion has a power chop to 130hp, but CO2 also falls to 104g/km: it averages 61.4mpg. The engine also has a variable geometry turbo – an impressive addition for a petrol car – and runs on a new combustion cycle similar to the eco-focused Miller Cycle. Oh, and when the driver releases the accelerator, the engine shuts down, as part of an extended coasting function. Previously, only hybrids have been able to do this: the real-world economy gains will be significant, promises Volkswagen.

Ageing six-speed DSG gearboxes will also be replaced by seven-speed units, further cutting CO2.

2017 Volkswagen Golf: prices and on-sale date

The Mk7.5 Golf is set to go on sale in March, with prices on average £650 less than its predecessor across the range. That’s despite the higher levels of standard kit, including improved infotainment systems on all models, and LED rear lights.

The entry-level 1.0-litre Golf S 85hp three-door retains its £17,625 starting price – making it cheaper than the entry-level Honda Civic (£18,235) but more expensive than the Ford Focus (£16,445).

Volkswagen’s diesel hot hatch, the Golf GTD, starts at £28,480 – an increase of more than £1,500 over the outgoing model, while the GTI rises to £27,865 (a small rise from £27,495). The flagship Golf R remains at £31,865.

Driving impressions

We’ve driven the 2017 Volkswagen Golf at its European launch event in Majorca, and can confirm the minor changes have secured its place amongst the best in class. The new 1.5-litre TSI engine in particular is a gem, with 150hp on tap and a 130hp Bluemotion version available for extra green credentials (and none of the nastiness associated with VW diesels).

Even combining the 1.4’s replacement with a seven-speed DSG gearbox, it packs a punch and is fun to drive without the ‘thrumminess’ of the three-cylinder 1.0-litre. It’s a really likeable engine that might make some think again about defaulting to a diesel Golf.

The new infotainment system is easy to use, while the minor changes to the Golf’s design mean it stills looks fresh (if not exciting). We even like the new Turmeric Yellow colour…

New Turmeric Yellow colour for the Golf. I like it. I like the new 1.5-litre TSI, too. pic.twitter.com/NUo9j5Vs7j

— Andrew Brady (@MR_AndrewBrady) February 2, 2017

Keep an eye on Motoring Research – we’ll be publishing a full first drive review of the revised Golf GTI in the near future.